Hard Head Publique Deposited
A name given to a Scotch billon coin first issued in the third coinage of Mary (1555-1558). The term is a corruption of the French Hardit.
Some authorities refer to this piece under the name of a Lion, from the lion rampant, crowned, which it bears.
These coins, originally of the value of one and one half Pence, were struck to afford relief to the poor, who suffered much loss on account of the lack of small change. Under James VI the value was raised to two Pence, and indicated by two pellets.
The Hard Head was discontinued in the reign of Charles I.
- Frey's Dictionary (American Journal of Numismatics, Vol. 50, 1916)